Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich hoping to appear on reality show

Blagojevich arraigned

Jose M. Osorio, Chicago Tribune

Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, with attorney Sheldon Sorosky, left, leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse after his arraignment on federal corruption charges on April 14, 2009. Blagojevich pleaded not guilty on 16 criminal counts including racketeering conspiracy and wire fraud before U.S. District Judge James Zagel.

Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, with attorney Sheldon Sorosky, left, leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse after his arraignment on federal corruption charges on April 14, 2009. Blagojevich pleaded not guilty on 16 criminal counts including racketeering conspiracy and wire fraud before U.S. District Judge James Zagel.

The indicted pol has agreed to appear on "I'm a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here," a survival-style reality show set to air beginning June 1 on NBC, the network confirmed. The opportunity could prove a bonanza for the financially pressed former governor, given the show would pay him $80,000 a week, a source said.

Before he can ink the deal, however, Blagojevich would need permission from the federal judge presiding over his corruption trial to fly to Costa Rica, where the show will be filmed. Blagojevich's attorney told the judge Tuesday that the ex-governor soon would be making a request to loosen travel restrictions placed on him as part of his bail.

The network describes the show as a "Swiss Family Robinson"-type competition in which 10 celebrities are dropped in the heart of the jungle "to face fun and comedic challenges designed to test their survival skills." American viewers decide which celebrities go, in addition to selecting the challenges used to earn food, supplies and luxury items. The last celeb left is crowned King or Queen of the Jungle.

The show, inspired by a popular British program of the same name, debuted on ABC in 2003 and suffered anemic ratings over its 15-night run. Jennifer Lopez's ex-husband Cris Judd won the first stateside competition, beating the likes of Melissa Rivers, Bruce Jenner and Robin Leach.

NBC has not released the names of other Z-list celebrities who have agreed to participate. The program's producer, Granada America, declined to comment.

The corruption trial of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich consumed the summer of 2010 and concluded on August 17. After 14 days of deliberations, the six-man, six-woman jury convicted Blagojevich on just one of the 24 felony counts he faced -- a charge that he had lied to FBI agents about his intense...

On Jan. 9, 2009, the Illinois House voted to impeach then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich for abuse of power. Just weeks later, on Jan. 29, the Senate followed with a 59-0 vote, removing Blagojevich from office. Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn was sworn in as the state's 41st governor.

Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was arrested December 9, 2008 and indicted on April 2, 2009 on federal fraud charges, for among other things, trying to sell Barack Obama's Senate seat. Get the latest on his case here.